17 minute read
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS BROKEN BAY WELCOMES BACK STUDENTS AND MEET OUR NEW PRINCIPALS
ACROSS OUR SCHOOLS
Welcome Back to School!
Catholic Schools Broken Bay welcomes back over 17,000 students and 2,500 staff for the 2022 School year.
Danny Casey, Director of Schools recognised the difficult year that 2021 was for all members of the community as he welcomed new staff, students, and families as well as those returning to Catholic Schools Broken Bay, by video.
‘In 2021, I don’t think anyone imagined the extent to which our community would be affected by COVID 19. Our Catholic Schools Broken Bay staff, students, parents and clergy navigated an extraordinary year displaying resilience, courage and a capacity to innovate and adapt,’ Mr Casey said.
‘I am especially grateful for the hard work, last year, by so many in delivering HBL Plus, a targeted program to enhance home-based learning. This included funding for 1,550 additional teaching days, classroom resources and new and upgraded software and technology to support our students learning from home.’
The safety of students and staff once remains a priority for Catholic Schools Broken Bay. We have distributed government supplied rapid antigen test kits to staff and students and have all necessary COVID safe practices in place. Catholic Schools in Broken Bay are ready to focus on delivering an authentic, professional Catholic education, delivered with care and compassion.
‘While there may well be some unexpected disruption, we are looking forward to a year of greater stability and continued progress on improving learning outcomes.’
This year, Catholic Schools Broken Bay are excited to launch the next phase of the Towards 2025 Strategic Plan. In 2022, legacy and risk work identified will be addressed but the main focus this year is our Learning Improvement Program. The 3 main drivers will be strengthening a Catholic culture that promotes learning and human flourishing, ensuring systematic delivery of curriculum including consistency of teaching and learning of the curriculum and building leader and teacher expertise across the system. The work will be underpinned by a commitment to Continuous Improvement and an innovative approach to Professional Learning.
Mr Casey said, ‘I encourage each one of you to be engaged in your new school communities; as staff and clergy working closely with your colleagues; as parents engaging in all facets of your child’s school life and as families engaging in our Parish communities as a member of our schools.
2022 will be an exciting year in Catholic Schools Broken Bay.’
BBN / MARCH 2022
ACROSS OUR SCHOOLS
Meet our new Principals for 2022!
Nine new principals have joined Catholic Schools Broken Bay in 2022. Warmly welcomed to the Diocese by Bishop Anthony Randazzo and Danny Casey, Director of Schools, each of these leaders are a part of the Catholic Schools Broken Bay journey. We believe their talents will help build a system of schools that will be at least as good as the very best.
The new College Principal at MacKillop Catholic College, Warnervale is passionate about developing highly skilled teams, increasing opportunities for the students and families and having a positive influence on others.
‘In a K-12 school, it is a wonderful privilege to be able to develop deep connections and relationships with the students and their families. It is a great responsibility to realise the significant formative influence we have on our young people.
‘Our students will spend 15,000 hours in the classroom from K-12, so there is significant opportunity to have a positive influence on their lives with the right teams of people doing the right work.
Jason Hanrahan brings with him 26 years’ experience as an educator, 24 of which have been in a leadership role.
Having recently moved to the Lake Macquarie area from Armidale with his wife and daughters, Jason is looking forward to settling into the area and developing relationships with the staff, students and families of the College.
While new to the role of Principal, Emma Sellars knows Catholic Schools Broken Bay and St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Toukley very well.
In her 15th year of working at Catholic Schools Broken Bay, Emma most recently held the position of Assistant Principal at Toukley.
As an educator, Emma believes that all children can and will achieve at high levels. School leaders must do everything in our power to create the conditions that ensure high levels of learning occur in every classroom. continuous improvement for myself, our school and crucially, the students in our care.’
Particularly passionate about the teaching of Maths, Emma is determined for all students and their parents to understand that there is no such thing as a ‘maths person’.
‘I love how children learn Maths now, the problem solving, the challenge and the real-world connection.
Emma is looking forward to a great year ahead working with great staff and developing each child to the best of their ability.
The new Principal at St John Fisher Catholic Primary School at Tumbi Umbi has a passion for mathematics and building a sense of community.
‘One of my key focuses will be to get to know every student and their families. Knowing their stories is an important element of building and contributing to the community at St John Fisher.’
Marcel Arendse understands that developing these relationships is important to creating a culture where personalised learning for every student can be a focus. Supporting students to grow spiritually, academically, emotionally and socially is essential while working in collaboration with our parish, parents and staff will be a focus for Marcel.
‘We all have an important role to play and together contribute to the education of the whole child.’
Victorian-born and heavily influenced by the Salesians of St John Bosco Marcel is married with two children; his daughter is in her fourth year of her primary teaching degree and his son has just begun a building apprenticeship. Marcel has been teaching in Catholic Schools for 30 years, the last 15 of which have been in leadership.
ACROSS OUR SCHOOLS
Meet our new Principals for 2022! (continued)
As the new Principal at St Cecilia’s Catholic Primary School, Balgowlah, Louise O’Brien is looking forward to working with the staff to support the children in this significant period of their development, as they grow academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually.
As a leader, Louise aspires to create excellence in teaching and learning that caters for the diverse needs of our children. With the support of the leadership team and the contribution of the teaching staff, Louise’s focus will be on mentoring and upskilling the teaching team to build their capacity to deliver challenging learning opportunities for the students.
‘I believe in cultivating a growth mindset, in which the students and staff are confident and empowered, and in a learning environment that recognises the importance of innovation, creativity, collaboration, risk taking and continuous improvement.’
Louise brings a wealth of experience having held Principal positions in four dioceses – Brisbane, Toowoomba, Sydney and now Broken Bay. Louise looks forward to the opportunity to explore new and innovative ways of providing the best education for students and families.
‘Engineers make bridges. Artists make paintings. Scientists make rockets. But teachers make them all.’
The new Principal at Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, Mona Vale passionately believes that we must create lifelong learners. Critical, collaborative and creative thinkers who, through their faith and action, love like Christ and want to make the world a better place.
‘Developing effective schoolwide pedagogical practice; cultivating Catholic educational leaders; providing contemporary professional learning in education; faith formation; and instilling a passion for lifelong learning are my priorities.’
Jamie Wahab brings extensive experience to his new role at Broken Bay having held Principal positions in schools within the Sydney Diocese, teaching at schools in the Parramatta Diocese and in London and Essex, England. Jamie is also a current board member of the NSW Chapter of Australian Catholic University.
On a personal level, Jamie loves spending time with his three children, Maddy, Jessie and Ollie, strolling around a football (soccer) field and supporting his beloved Tottenham Hotspurs Football Club and the Parramatta Eels, holding onto the blind hope that one day, one of his teams will actually win something.
FIONA NGAMU St Rose Catholic School, Collaroy
With 25 years’ experience in education, the new Principal, Fiona Ngamu, at St Rose Catholic Primary School, Collaroy is looking forward to embedding a culture where students become creative, critical thinkers who take on problem solving and challenges with confidence.
‘Watching students and teachers grow and reach their goals excites me. I am a reflective learner myself, always looking to improve and challenge myself.
The students are the centre of the learning process. They have a voice, and they should be encouraged to share their ideas and aspirations. Each student has their own learning journey and individuality should be valued and celebrated.’
Fiona Ngamu is committed to developing active, lifelong learners who strive to make a positive difference in this world.
‘It is ok to make a mistake, as that is an integral part of the learning process. It is how you respond to and learn from a mistake that matters most.’
BBN / MARCH 2022
ACROSS OUR SCHOOLS
Meet our new Principals for 2022! (continued)
From a young age, the new Principal at St Thomas Catholic Primary School Willoughby had always wanted to be a teacher. Inspired by her own year 3 teacher, Enrica Bova has never forgotten the power of positive mindset that her teacher instilled in her at such a young age and continues to share this now with her students.
‘It is a privilege to be a Principal. Educators have the opportunity to impact so many lives and be a positive influence on someone else’s future.’
Enrica is passionate about enhancing teaching, learning spaces and opportunities to ensure equity and quality.
‘Ignacio Estrada’s quote “If children don’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn.” Our students are central to everything we do, our role is one of service. Each child has the right to learn in the best educational setting, so as to make their mark and difference in our world.’
Having always taught in Catholic Schools and with over 22 years’ experience in Leadership roles, Enrica is looking forward to bringing the school motto Forward in Faith to life every day by ensuring every person in our community is anchored in God’s love.
‘If we work together and have the same common goal great things happen.’
With over 35 years’ experience in Catholic Education across schools in Sydney, the new Principal at St Agatha’s Catholic Primary School, Pennant Hills is looking forward to giving students the opportunity to explore, be creative and investigate.
With a passion for science and mathematics, Anna is excited to be working closely with the teaching staff to create engaging learning experiences for students. ‘The opportunity to impact the lives of young students and knowing that I have the opportunity to make a difference in their lives is what motivates me the most.
Working in communities where we have the opportunity to come together to celebrate our faith as well as celebrate the achievements and growth in student learning is an absolute privilege.’
Anna believes that the most important part of her role as Principal is to be there for every student, teacher and parent in whatever way she can.
“Never see a need without doing something about it.” Mary MacKillop
ANNA MARSELLA St Kieran’s Catholic Primary School, Manly Vale
The aesthetics of education and learning is an art form that shapes the head, heart and body of each student to make a difference in the world. This wholistic approach to education and the whole child is what inspires Anna Marsella, new principal at St Kieran’s, Manly Vale.
As Principal, Anna endeavours to create the conditions that empower, engage and inspire the school community to reach their full potential through finding school a place of friendship, joy, discovery, challenge and learning.
It is Anna’s intention that students know and understand that they are loved by God.
‘In partnership with the parish and school community, we create an environment that fosters gospel values modelled in the person of Christ.’
‘Mutual respect and co-operation between home and school are essential to school life and in enhancing the learning outcomes for the students and the wellbeing of the school.’
Anna will bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her new role with 21 years Principal experience across 3 schools.
Anna is most looking forward to developing the capacity of teachers and the leadership team through coaching and mentoring to enhance teaching and learning opportunities.
ACROSS OUR SCHOOLS
Dramatic Results for Matteo
It was celebration all around for St Leo’s Catholic College’s Matteo Persechino when HSC results were released, in January, for the Class of 2021.
Matteo was advised shortly before general results were released, that he had achieved equal first in the state for Drama, before receiving his ATAR of 99.1 – a fantastic achievement.
‘I was shocked. I have always strived to do well but never expected this result’ said Matteo, who also made the Distinguished Achiever list for English Advanced, Extension 1 and 2, Music 2 and Studies of Religion II. He also made the All Rounder list for the highest band (Band 6) for 10 or more units.
‘Obviously lockdown was the biggest challenge’ he said. He credits his parents, teachers and friends as the key to his ‘success and survival during the HSC’.
Matteo, was also College Captain, wrote his major Drama monologue performance ‘as an exploration of illness and grief, something that resonates with a contemporary COVID audience, showing the importance of faith and community during times of hardship.’
Involved in all aspects Creative and Performing Arts during his time at St Leo’s, Matteo is following his passion for music and theatre. He has accepted an early offer to study at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and will even be releasing his own music soon.
Matteo performing at the St Leo’s Graduation Ceremony.
BBN / MARCH 2022
ACROSS OUR SCHOOLS
Waka WOW… National Favourites!
Holy Cross Catholic Primary School, Kincumber were so excited to have been named a National Favourite for Wakakirri in 2021, a national story-dance competition.
Schools from all over the country were invited to produce a 3-7 minute performance using dance and drama to tell an important story inspired by the Wakakirri Ethos ‘great stories inspire change’. With over 300 schools and 20,000 participating students each year, this acknowledgement is testament to hard work, commitment and resilience of the wonderful students at Holy Cross to see this through.
Despite the setbacks and challenges of home-based learning in 2021, Holy Cross Kincumber was able to enter Wakakirri with a video submission. Their story ‘Reach Out’, looks at the way Australians come together in times of crisis and ‘reach out’ to help other people in need.
‘This idea ties in strongly with our values as a school and as disciples of Jesus. We used 3 vignettes to show this… firefighters coming from all over the country to fight bushfires; reaching out to others who feel like they don’t fit in, and the charity organisations who reach out to help those living in poverty’.
Described by the judges as ‘A stunning performance with some breath-taking moments!’ the school received the Story Award for Outstanding Best Celebration Story and recognition for Polished Performance, Best Direction; Excellent Staging and Soundtrack Mix.
ACROSS OUR SCHOOLS
Catholic Schools Broken Bay – Open Days 2022
School Name
St Patrick’s
Maria Regina
St Cecilia’s
St Bernard’s
St Gerard’s
Our Lady of Dolours
Suburb Phone number Event Date Start Finish
Asquith 9477 3800 Open Morning & Evening Thursday 24 March
Avalon 9918 2608 Open Day Tuesday 15 March Wednesday 1 June 9.00am 5.30pm 9.30am 6.00pm 10.30am 7.00pm 10.30am 7.00pm
Balgowlah 9948 3069 Open Day Wednesday 15 March 9.15am 11.00am
Berowra Heights 9456 2104 Open Mornings & Open Evenings Wednesday 9 March Thursday 16 June 9.00am 6.00pm Same as above 11.00am 7.00pm Same as above
Carlingford 9871 1633 Open Morning & Evening Wednesday 9 March 9.15am 6.30pm 10.30am 8.00pm
Chatswood 9419 2645 Open Day Tuesday 8 March 9.30am 11.30am
St Rose
St Martin’s
St Kevin’s
St Patrick’s Collaroy Plateau 9982 1467 Open Days
Davidson 9452 2022 Open Morning Open Evening Dee Why 9971 1644 Open Morning & Evening Open Morning East Gosford 4325 1159 Open Morning & Evenings Tuesday 15 March Thursday 4 August Wednesday 9 March Tuesday 26 July Tuesday 15 March Tuesday 10 May Monday 24 March Open Day – Victoria St Tuesday 29 March Open Day – Melbourne St Wednesday 27 April Open Day – Melbourne St
Our Lady Help of Christians Epping 9868 3322 Please contact the school directly. Our Lady of Good Counsel Forestville 9972 7311 Open Morning & Evening Thursday 17 March
Holy Cross Kincumber 4369 6638 Open Morning & Evening Tuesday 3 May
St Brendan’s
Holy Family Lake Munmorah 4358 1501 Open Morning Open Evening Lindfield 9416 7200 Open Mornings & Open Evenings Tuesday 22 March Thursday 24 March Tuesday 8 March Wednesday 4 May
St Mary’s
St Kieran’s
Sacred Heart Manly 9977 2225 Open Week Open Morning & Evening 21-25 February Tuesday 10 May
Manly Vale 9949 3523 Open Morning & Evening Tuesday 15 March
Mona Vale 9999 3264 Open Day Thursday 31 March 9.00am 9.00am 9.15am 6.00pm 9.15am 7.00pm 9.15am 9.00am 6.30pm 5.00pm 10.30am 10.30am 10.45am 7.30pm 11.00am 8.00pm 11.00am 10.30am 7.30pm 6.00pm
9.15am 5.30pm 9.15am 6.30pm 9.00am 5.00pm 9.00am 6.00am Same as above 10.45am 6.00pm 10.30am 8.00pm 10.15am 7.00pm 10.30am 7.30pm Same as above
9.00am 9.00am 7.00pm 9.15am 6.30pm
10.00am 10.00am 8.30pm 11.00am 7.30pm 9.00am 10.00am
St Joseph’s
St John’s
St Philip Neri Narrabeen 9913 3766 Open Day Wednesday 16 March 9.15am 10.45am
Narraweena 9971 9297 Open Morning & Evening Open Evening
Tuesday 29 March Thursday May 19 Northbridge 9958 7136 Open Mornings Tuesday 15 March Wednesday 4 May 9.15am 6.00pm 9.15am 9.15am 9.15am 10.40am 7.00pm 10.40am 10.45am 10.45am
BBN / MARCH 2022
ACROSS OUR SCHOOLS
Catholic Schools Broken Bay – Open Days 2022
School Name Suburb Phone number Event Date Start Finish
St Agatha’s Pennant Hills 9484 7200 Open Morning & Evening Tuesday 8 March 9.30am 5.00pm 10.30am 6.00pm
Sacred Heart
Corpus Christi Pymble 9440 8056 Open Morning Open Evening
St Ives 9988 3135 Open Day
Our Lady Star of the Sea Terrigal 4365 6229 Open Evening Info Evening Fun Morning Our Lady of the Rosary The Entrance 4332 5594 Open Morning Open Evening
St Mary’s Toukley 4396 5100 Open Evening Thursday 31 March Wednesday 25 May Friday 18 March Friday 27 May 9.00am 6.00pm 8.45am 8.45am 10.30am 7.30pm 10.30am 10.30am
Tuesday 22 March Wednesday 30 March Thursday 31 March Tuesday 15 March Wednesday 23 March 5.00pm 7.00pm 9.00am 9.30am 6.30pm
7.00pm 8.00pm 10.30am 10.30am 7.30pm Monday 28 February 6.30pm 7.30pm
St John Fisher
Prouille Tumbi Umbi 4388 5800 Open Morning Open Evening Wahroonga 9489 3233 Open Morning Open Evening
Our Lady of the Rosary Waitara 9489 7000 Open Morning Thursday 17 March
Thursday 17 March Thursday 25 August
Tuesday 15 March 9.30am 6.30pm 10.00am 6.00am Same as above
10.30am 7.30pm 11.00am 7.00pm Same as above 9.30am 11.00am
MacKillop
Our La dy of Perpetual Succour St Thomas Warnervale 4392 9499 Open Day Open Evening West Pymble 9498 6055 Open Morning Open Evening Wednesday 9 March 4.00pm 6.00pm
Friday 11 March Wednesday 16 March 8.00am 6.30pm
Willoughby 9958 7308 Open Day Tours Tuesday 8 March Wednesday 9 March 9.30am 4.00pm 7.45pm 4.00pm
St John the Baptist
Woy Woy 4341 0884 Open Evening Open Morning Our Lady of the Rosary Wyoming 4324 6641 School Tour Info Evening
St Cecilia’s Wyong 4353 2922 Open Morning Open Evening Thursday 31 March Friday 1 April 7.00pm 9.30am
Friday 18 March Monday 28 March
4.30pm 7.00pm Wednesday 30 March 9.30am 6.30pm 6.00pm 8.00pm 11.00am 8.30pm 11.00am 6.00pm 8.45pm 6.00pm 8.00pm 10.30am 6.30pm 8.00pm 10.30am 7.30pm
CATHOLIC SECONDARY COLLEGES
Mercy Chatswood 9419 2890 Open Day Sunday 6 March 10.00am 1.00pm
St Joseph’s
St Brigid’s
St Paul’s
St Peter’s
St Leo’s
Mater Maria East Gosford 4324 4022 Open Evening
Lake Munmorah 4358 4278 Open Evening Monday 28 March
Tuesday 8 March 3.30pm Monday 24 March 7.00pm 6.00pm 8.00pm
Manly 9977 5111 Open Day/Expo Wednesday 23 March 4.00pm 7.00pm
Tuggerah 4352 9800 Open Evening
Wahroonga 9487 3555 Open Evening
Warriewood 9997 7044 Open Evening Monday 7 March
Tuesday 15 March
Thursday 9 March 3.30pm 7.00pm
4.00pm 7.00pm
4.00pm 7.00pm
